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Deck Railings

Deck Railing Material Choices

A deck needs a railing to enclose it. The railing isn't just for safety reasons but a deck can help define a deck and help frame your deck in its environment. Just because you built your deck out of wood doesn't mean that your railing needs to be made out of wood, as well. There are other material choices other than wood, and there are other species of wood that you can use for your railings.

Metal
Metal railings are a good choice as they are strong, lightweight, and can be much smaller than a wood rail. Metal railings require special tools and skills to build which may make a metal railing a tough choice for the do-it-yourselfer. You can have metal railings professional made at a metal working shop and then install them yourself. If you decide on metal railings, you must also decide on the type of metal to use. Traditionally, wrought iron has been used for railings. Wrought iron is fairly inexpensive, easy to work with, and strong. However, since it is made if iron, it is subject to rust and corrosion so it must be painted periodically. Aluminum is lightweight and rust resistant, but it does corrode in salty environments. It does not need to be painted. Stainless steel is another good choice as it doesn't rust or corrode, but it is much more expensive. Stainless steel is a nice choice for railing posts with stainless steel cables run between the posts as railings.

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Vinyl
Vinyl railings are less expensive than metal but more expensive than wood. They are easy to work with and can but cut and drilled with normal woodworking tools. They are also maintenance free which makes them easy to take care of. However, your choice of colors is quite limited and vinyl does not take paint well if you want to change your color later on. Vinyl railings come pre-assembled in standard lengths and install quickly and easily.

Wood Wood is the easiest material to work with, is the least expensive, but requires the most maintenance over time. Wood needs stained, painter, or sealed to survive the elements. However, most people can work with wood using standard tools and a minimal level of skill. Plus, repairing wood railings is easier. Wood comes in a variety of species that have different attributes depending on your geographic location, weather resistance requirements, and budget. No matter which material you choose for your railing, there is certainly a material that will fit your needs, aesthetics and budget. Visit your local home supply center or lumberyard to see all the different material choices available for you deck railing.

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